Bethany Talbot is a student-athlete-model in one—casually proving to us that she can play different positions all at the same time
On and off the field, Bethany Talbot has proven that being girly and tough can be synonymous with each other. Believing that a woman is capable of anything, Bethany is committed to living her passions on her own terms. Whether she’s on the field as a football player, in front of the camera as a model, or simply roaming around campus as a college student, breaking the stereotypes and limitations imposed upon her by society is her tireless pursuit.
When the muse strikes
She’s been defying the idea that someone like her should be this or that whenever people find out that she plays football. While it makes her laugh when the modeling community is often surprised by this fact, it also undeniably makes her sad. She believes that more people have to understand that an athlete doesn’t have to constrict himself or herself when it comes to their look because now, with all of Bethany’s endeavors, she has proven to have accomplished the different demands of being a model, a student, and an athlete.
A football family legacy
It is no surprise that Bethany Talbot is one of the most recognizable faces in UAAP football, not only due to her presence in the modeling industry, but also because she is good at her sport, anchored by the fact that football runs in her family’s blood. “We are a football family. We are three siblings, I am the middle [child], and we all play football.” Bethany shared that football was her “love at first sight,” contrary to the assumption that she was forced to play the sport. She added, “[I] was just watching my brother play, and I was the one that volunteered. I begged my parents that I wanted to play football because, at that time, I was doing ballet.”
Teamwork above all else
Whether it was on the football field or at a photoshoot, Bethany learned the importance of showing up and making sure she does what she can [at] the moment—especially during what she calls are her “hardest days.” This attitude towards the sport is her way of expressing her heart for teamwork, which beats louder than the roar of the crowd.
“Not just for yourself, to show that you are committed and consistent, but [also] showing up for your teammates [and] coaches. It’s showing them that you are always there to support them because a team is called a team because you all need each other.”
A woman who sees beauty in collaboration
With each step she takes, Bethany inspires others to reach new heights and to believe in the power of unity. Her infectious spirit and her can-do attitude serve as a reminder that anything is possible when you have a team by your side. “[Football] helped me have that character of being able to work with other people easily, being able to adjust knowing what my role is and whatever we are trying to achieve. Each person’s role is very important, so no one is [more] important than the other.” Her spirit is contagious, and her heart for collaboration is a shining example of what it means to be a true team player.
Embracing her roles with pride
She speaks from firsthand experience when she mentions that she was afraid of receiving negative comments when she first started as a model, particularly about her build. “Especially because I play football, my legs [are] bigger and more muscular.” That said, Bethany has a very interesting take on overcoming this particular hurdle. She shared that she learned to be more confident after getting into modeling. And because she enjoys playing football and posing for the cameras so much, Bethany channels her focus on her goals and uses her inner strength to push past those negative and baseless comments. As a student-athlete and a model, Bethany Talbot believes that all those comments don’t matter as she is able to do well in both careers while having a strong body for football and still do “modeling with some muscles,” breaking the stereotypes for women in the industry.
Right now, Bethany is taking her time and using it to continue improving her game in different aspects of her life, all while having fun in the process. However, she has acknowledged the struggle of giving equal effort to everything she does. According to her, “Everyday, your 100% may look different. Some days may be better than others, but it is really just you being there that people will actually appreciate.”
Photography DOOKIE DUCAY
Creative Direction NICOLE ALMERO
Art Direction NICOLE ALMERO, assisted by BRIE VENTURA
Fashion Direction RYUJI SHIOMITSU
Styling JOAQUIN RODRIGO, assisted by NAVEENA ABDURAJAK
Beauty Direction MARA GO
Makeup GERY PEÑASO
Hair PATTY CRISTOBAL
Sittings Editor PEACHES GARCIA
Producers MEGA DIGITAL (CARYLL CABUHAT, JEMIMA CRUZ, CHLARINE GIANAN, MARA GO, and MIKA REYES)
Video Production REGINA ACERON
Videography JR RAMIREZ
Production Design JOSIAH HIPONIA, assisted by JOB CONSTANTINO
Shoot Coordination KZ FRANCISCO
All pieces by CHRIS NICK
